These workshops feature a particular emphasis on the Center's financial literacy education
program. State Farm will present a check to the Stavros Center on Tuesday February
17th at 4:30 p.m. The check presentation ceremony is scheduled prior to a financial
education workshop at the Jim Miles Professional Center located at 5204 US Hwy 98
S. in Lakeland, FL.

"We are most grateful for the strong support the USF Gus A. Stavros Center for Free
Enterprise and Economic Education has enjoyed from State Farm over the past several
years. We commend them for their view that the professional development of K-12 educators
in "financial literacy education" is essential in providing our nation's youth with
the knowledge and skills to effectively manage their financial matters," said Dr.
Dick Puglisi, director of the Gus A. Stavros Center for Free Enterprise and Economic
Education.

During the 2013-2014 academic year, approximately 1,600 K-12 educators participated
in a myriad of professional development programs offered by the Gus A. Stavros Center.
Many of those programs received funding from State Farm to cover a range of expenses,
including instructional costs, food and beverage for the educators, curricula materials
and other outlays related to workshops. The professional development programs funded
by State Farm were held under the title, "Enhancing Global Literacies –Teaching Financial
& Economic Literacy."

One of the teachers who participated in State Farm sponsored workshops is Rachel Sanchez,
a teacher of Gifted Education (K-5) at Spook Hill Elementary in Polk County. Sanchez
attended "Sunny Money," a workshop designed to help teachers integrate economic standards
and financial literacy concepts with their lessons. Dr. Deborah Kozdras, from the
USF Stavros Center, encouraged teachers to enter the Florida Council on Economic Education's
Governor's Awards competition. With the mentorship of Kozdras, Sanchez submitted a
digital storytelling project that was awarded the Council's "Best Rookie" project.
"This project really helped the kids understand concepts about money, saving and spending,
and making good choices," said Sanchez. "It's a great learning experience. I love
the Stavros workshops. I always learn something valuable that I can take back and
use in my classroom."

Sanchez is just one of the many teachers who are able to use the children's literature
books provided by the State Farm grant. Her experience with the workshop was so gratifying,
she has agreed to co-present with Kozdras at a workshop this year.

"The College of Education is pleased to continue the partnership with State Farm.
The work done around Financial Literacy Education provides invaluable information
for educators throughout the state of Florida," said Dr. Vasti Torres, Dean, USF College
of Education.

State Farm has given a total of $78,000 in gifts to the Gus A. Stavros Center in support
of financial literacy education.

About State Farm®:State Farm and its affiliates are the largest provider of car insurance in the U.S.
and is a leading insurer in Canada. In addition to providing auto insurance quotes,
their 17,800 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts
– more than 79 million auto, home, life and health policies in the United States and
Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with
coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State
Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of
companies. State Farm is ranked No. 43 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies.
For more information, please visit https://www.statefarm.com.

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of Teacher Education (NCATE), and is fully approved by the Florida Department of Education.
The USF College of Education is the 9th largest public college of education in the
nation. For more information about the USF College of Education, visit: www.usf.edu/education/ or on like us Facebook.

The University of South Florida is a high-impact, global research university dedicated
to student success. USF is a Top 50 research university among both public and private
institutions nationwide in total research expenditures, according to the National
Science Foundation. Serving nearly 48,000 students, the USF System has an annual budget
of $1.5 billion and an annual economic impact of $4.4 billion. USF is a member of
the American Athletic Conference.